Many travelers get fascinated by Colombian emeralds. And once we see one of those gemstones, we can easily understand why. Colombian emeralds are among the highest quality emeralds in the world. In fact, Colombia accounts for 90% of the world’s emerald market. If you want to buy some emeralds in Colombia, stay tuned! In this blog, we’ll tell you where to buy certified Colombian emeralds and why emeralds in Colombia are cheaper. Let’s start!
Colombian emeralds are some of the most valuable gemstones, not only in quality but also in money. But buying Colombian emeralds in Colombia is cheaper than buying them in a jewelry store in a different country. And the reason is simple: intermediary fees and taxes.
Once you buy a Colombian emerald in Colombia, you save extra fees, and you get a 12% cashback of the purchase value. This is a tax benefit that you can request at any emerald store in Colombia.
But, even if you know that buying emeralds in Colombia is cheaper, where to buy them?
Well, make sure to buy Colombian emeralds in a certified jewelry store. They must deliver an authenticity certificate to prove the quality of the gemstone. If you are in Medellin, visit Mercurio. They are a certified Colombian emerald provider and a jewelry store. Find in Mercurio emerald stones and jewelry. Besides, you can request to fabricate a specific design or personalization of any kind of jewelry.
If you’re hesitating on buying emeralds by yourself, don’t worry! Take advantage of the assistance and guidance Mercurio provides. They are super honest and helpful; you’ll be delighted to meet the founder and owner assisting you!
But if you’re new to the emeralds field, keep in mind the following tips to identify the quality of Colombian emeralds.
Buying a Colombian emerald is definitely cheaper than in other countries. Colombia is the world’s leading producer of emeralds, accounting for 70% to 90% of the global market. Besides, when you purchase them in Colombia, you get an extra benefit. In fact, you don’t have to pay extra fees or intermediary costs. So, not just buying Colombian emeralds but purchasing them in the country itself is really affordable.
In cities like Medellín, Bogotá, or Cartagena, you can find specialized jewelry stores offering Colombian emeralds of various types, sizes, and colors. These jewels can range in price from $300 for smaller emeralds to over $200,000 for high-quality, high-carat pieces. Additionally, when buying in Colombia, you can enjoy a 12% VAT refund at the airport, making the purchase even more cost-effective.
Colombian emeralds are renowned for their intense green color and purity. This is a landmark that surpasses emeralds from other countries. Minerals from Colombian towns like Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez are world-famous for producing some of the best emeralds on the planet. These regions offer stones with unique characteristics, ideal for both jewelry and collectors.
The price of Colombian emeralds is lower when bought directly in the country. This allows international buyers to buy high-quality emeralds at a more affordable cost.
Specialized jewelers offer competitive prices and guarantee the authenticity of each stone. This includes providing a certificate that verifies the origin, quality, and genuineness of the emerald. This is crucial for protecting your investment.
In the Colombian market, you can find a wide variety of emeralds classified by size, purity, and color:
Known for their deep green color and high transparency, these stones are highly valued by collectors and jewelers. Muzo emeralds represent the essence of Colombian quality.
These stones are ideal for those seeking refined and elegant pieces. In fact, they are highlighted by a bright green color and exceptional clarity

Offering both luxury jewelry and commercial pieces, they are a go-to. These emeralds stand out for their color intensity and variation in shades.

Ideal for tighter budgets, with prices starting at $300.
Perfect for exclusive jewelry, with more intense colors and greater transparency. Prices can exceed $10,000.
These stones are unique in the world, with over 50 carats and prices that can surpass $200,000.
The first step to buying an emerald is choosing a trustworthy place. We recommend visiting emerald stores and jewelers certified by the Colombian Ministry of Mines. These certifications ensure that the emerald you purchase will be authentic and high-quality. We recommend visiting the Mercurio jewelry store.
Mercurio is a certified Colombian emerald provider. They can help you out on quality checks, besides designing and creating any piece of jewelry.
Find in Mercuio:
The price of a Colombian emerald can vary depending on its size, purity, color, and origin. In Medellin, you can find options for all budgets:
Small and Commercial Emeralds: Starting at $300.
Higher quality and carat emeralds: Up to $200,000 or more.
Remember: specialized jewelers not only offer competitive prices but also authenticity certificates that support the value of your investment.
Buying directly in Colombia eliminates intermediaries and reduces costs.
Obtain an official certificate that endorses the quality and origin of your emerald.
VAT Cashback
Upon leaving the country, you can request a 12% VAT refund, saving even more on your purchase.
At Medellin VIP, you’ll have access to concierge experts who will guide you in the city. Whether you need housing, transportation, or specialized services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ ‘re your one contact point for hospitality and entertainment in Medellin.
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